'Turnback Tuesday' highlights holiday traditions

Turnback Tuesday checks out two Holiday Traditions: The “Yule or Yule Log,” originally a Nordic tradition, started with the gathering of an entire tree to burn in the fire. 

One end was placed in the fireplace and the rest in the room. The Log would be slowly fed into the fire for the 12 days of Christmas.

Next is the poinsettia plant, native to Central America/Mexico. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the 1st ambassador for the US to Mexico in 1825. He was introduced to the native flower and became interested. He sent the plant home to South Carolina, grew them and gave them as gifts to friends. Thus, the poinsettia tradition began.

Thanks as always to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.

'Turnback Tuesday' features history of celebrating Valentine's Day

Turnback Tuesday wishes you a Happy Valentine's Day.

The origin of St. Valentine's Day is debated, but the month of February has long been celebrated as the month of love.

Countries all over the world celebrate in many different ways with their own traditions.

It is believed that Americans started exchanging handmade valentines in the early 1700s. The tradition grew and by the mid 1800s cards started to be mass produced. These cards would have images of cupid (the god of love), hearts, and flowers displaying signs of affection and love. The lovely postcard shown here dates from 1907-1915.

Derby Public Library has a collection of Valentine's Day Cards on display.

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.

Oxford Public Library to hold Hanukkah Story Time Tuesday

OXFORD - Hanukkah Story Time will be held at 4 p.m. Nov. 28 at Oxford Public Library.

Books will be for kiddos age 3-ish+  but younger siblings are always welcome!

Open to all! Celebrate your traditions or learn how your friends and neighbors celebrate! 

Join us for a special story time to learn about and celebrate the upcoming holiday, Hanukkah! 

To register contact Robyn Rivero at 203-888-6944  rrivero@oxfordlib.org

The Library is at 49 Great Oak Road.

This is shared from the Library's website.

'Turnback Tuesday' features New Year's Eve traditions

Turnback Tuesday this week rings in the New Year. 
Celebrations started about 4000 years ago, but were done on March 1. 
At that time, the calendar had only 10 months, going from March to December. 
January and February were added by the second King of Rome, circa 700 B.C. 
In many countries, the New Year's celebrations begin on Dec. 31, each with their own traditions: families and friends enjoying meals and snacks to bestow good luck, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside, eating pork for prosperity and, of course, the Times Square ball drop in New York City. 
"Szczesliwego Nowego Roku!", "Feliz ano Nuevo!"; "Sun nien fail ok!", "Felice Anno Nuovo" and Happy New Year.

Update: Forgot to thank Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week!

Derby Neck Library to host author of book about NYC at Christmas

DERBY - Ever wondered how New York City and Christmas became so intertwined with each other?
Learn all about the history, stories, art, and traditions that forever linked the two when the Derby Neck Library hosts author and photographer Kevin Woyce at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18.
Woyce will discuss this topic and his book Santa’s Hometown while taking attendees on a sleigh ride through the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and the New Year’s Eve ball drop at Times Square.

No registration required for this free event.
The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.